OUT N’ ABOUT With Wendy Nan
KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE IF YOU HAVE TO EVACUATE
Two weeks ago, I had to cancel my radio show, because we had gotten an evacuation notice, due to wildfires raging around my neighborhood. I thought this would be a good time to talk about evacuating with your pet, as well as what to do to practice a “fire drill” with you family and pets. So, if you find yourself in the same predicament that I did, you too will be able to get everyone out of the house safely.
Creating Your Practice Plan for a Fire Drill or Evacuation
- Use the kitchen timer, and set it for 45 minutes to an hour. (This way you have given yourself almost enough time to forget, start talking and then to be surprised by the bell ringing.)
- Call your dogs to the front door so you can train them to sit and stay calm while you place their collars on (this is a great training tool. At first the dog or dogs are going to get excited to go out. You want to train them to sit, stay, and to wait so you can go get everything else you are going to need to evacuate)
- Gather all your pre-arranged items you want to take with you for example:
Shot records, health records photos and anything else you know is not replaceable. DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE YOUR HOME OWNERS INSURANCE POLICES WITH YOU!!
- Make sure your gas tank is always at least half full so you have enough fuel to drive at least 100 miles before stopping.
The ASPCA has stickers that you can put on a door or window to let emergency personnel who may be trying to get in to search for anyone left behind. Visit http//:www.aspca.org for more information.
“Remember the animals in your life are not just your pets they’re your friends” WNR©2008